Briefs: EWA backs yet another T-Band waiver request, names 2013 board

The Enterprise Wireless Alliance (EWA) recently filed comments with the FCC in support of NSTAR Electric Co.'s waiver request to expand its system with T-Band frequencies at six base stations in the Boston area. The system, which provides advanced features such as emergency alert and GPS tracking, has been deployed in two of the company's three service areas.

However, the application to deploy in the remaining territory was filed just a few days prior to the FCC's announcement of its decision to freeze licensing activity in the T-Band, because frequencies in the band will be auctioned as a result of the federal legislation enacted earlier this year that also paved the way for a nationwide public- safety network for first responders. Because the majority of NSTAR workers have migrated to the new system, those who serve the third territory are "stranded in a state of regulatory limbo of unknown duration" as a result of the freeze, the EWA said.

ARINC unveils in-flight communications platform

ARINC Direct introduced the ConnectOnboard in-flight communications system that leverages the Iridium and Inmarsat satellite networks to provide messaging voice and data services to both pilots and passengers on their smartphones or tablets. The two-channel system supports simultaneous voice and data transmissions, or it can support two simultaneous voice calls. Messaging is accomplished via the company's proprietary ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System) platform.

Tait Communications said that Stanislaus County (Calif.) and the city of Modesto, Calif., have selected the company to deploy a 5-site, 5-channel trunked simulcast radio system that will operate in the 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands. Tait's TDMA-based 9400 series is software-upgradable to Project 25 Phase 2, which was a key selling point, said Kurt Kline, communications manager for Stanislaus Regional 911, in a statement. "It … gives us a long-term path to expand our communications as needed, and to take us to P25 Phase 2 when the time is right," he said.

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